Whether you need it for medical or aesthetic purposes, vaseline is one of your must-haves for your trip. So, if you’ll be traveling by air, you must be aware of the certain restrictions for these items.
You won’t get any results if you look up vaseline or its generic term, “petroleum jelly,” on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website. Nonetheless, the TSA regulates the entry of this travel item on both domestic and international flights.
The Quick Answer: Can you bring vaseline on a plane? You can bring vaseline on a plane, but you have to comply with the TSA’s regulations for travel liquids. Only containers with 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less are allowed.
Vaseline is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage but with different quantity limitations. For petroleum jelly with medical purposes, you don’t need to follow their liquid rules.
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Is Vaseline Considered a Liquid Under TSA’s Rules?
Vaseline is deemed liquid by the TSA, so if you want to bring some on your flight, you have to follow their regulations for travel liquids or the so-called 3-1-1 rules. According to the TSA, all items that you can pump, squeeze, smear, spray, or spill are considered liquid.
This means that you can only take vaseline through airport security in your carry on if it is in a container that is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and it must be packed in a one quart-sized plastic liquids bag with your other liquids.
There is no restriction on the size you can pack in checked bags though.
How Much Vaseline Can I Take on a Plane in carry on?
If you’re thinking about how much gel you can bring with you, just go over the rules laid out by the TSA for travel liquids. It was stated that each passenger may carry liquids in 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less containers.
These should be placed comfortably inside a quart-sized resealable bag. The quantity limit varies depending on where you’ll place it–carry-on or checked luggage–and whether the jelly is considered gel medication.
What if I’m Bringing Vaseline for Medical Purposes?
If your doctor recommends that you use vaseline, then you can bring as much as you need, even if it exceeds the quantity limitation. Fortunately, the TSA has fewer restrictions if you’re traveling with medications.
Simply make sure that you place your vaseline in a separate clear bag before proceeding to the checkpoint. TSA officers require this so they can easily inspect your travel liquids through an X-Ray.
Can You Bring Consumed Vaseline on Board?
If you’ve recently opened a jar of vaseline and you want to take it with you, you may opt to do so. TSA officers won’t prohibit you from bringing consumed petroleum jelly on board as long as you follow their specific rules for travel liquids.
Keep in mind that you should store jelly inside a container that you can’t open easily to avoid leakage.
Can You Place Vaseline in Your Carry-on Bag?
Yes, you can, but remember that the TSA strictly adheres to their liquid rules, especially if you’re bringing vaseline in your hand-on luggage. As mentioned earlier, each container should only be 3.4 oz or less.
In case you brought a container that is more than 3.4 oz but the content is in a smaller amount, TSA officers will ask you to place it inside your checked bag instead.
Can You Use Vaseline on a Plane?
Vaseline is considered by many travelers as a necessity during trips due to its various purposes, so this is an important question to ask. For instance, while you’re on board, you may need to apply vaseline to your chapped lips or dry skin, especially if your flight is a long one.
The good news is that the TSA doesn’t have a set of rules or guidelines when it comes to using liquids or gel on a plane. This is why it’s safe to assume that the TSA permits passengers to use vaseline during the flight. So if you want to use yours during the trip, feel free to do so.
Are You Permitted to Bring Vaseline on an International Flight?
Countries have different regulations for travel liquids and gel, but most of them will allow you to bring vaseline to their borders. Examples of countries that permit vaseline include the United Kingdom and Canada. In case the country you’ll be visiting prohibits you from bringing vaseline, you can just buy one in the nearest store upon your arrival.
Just to be sure, reach out to the customs security of the place you’ll be visiting before your flight. Sometimes, not all information you want to learn about is available online. If that happens, make sure to contact the governing body that can address your concern.
How to Pack Vaseline in Your Carry-on or Checked Baggage?
When preparing your travel items, separate liquids and gel from other objects and place them in a spill-proof bag. This way, you can hold them in place throughout your flight. Repacking your petroleum jelly is also an excellent idea in order to cut some space in your luggage and reduce the possibility of accidental spills.
Unlike aerosols, there’s a zero chance that vaseline explodes on a plane, even under extreme temperatures. An explosion can only happen if you set the gel on fire. Nonetheless, it won’t hurt to ensure that your vaseline is properly packed given that it may leak and spill on your belongings during the flight.
If you’re using Twitter and unsure if you can take something with you, simply tag @AskTSA in your tweet and attach photos of your item(s). Take a look at this user who asked if vaseline is allowed in carry-on bags:
I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me
